SPARTANS HAIL DALE FOR NEW RECORD FEAT
MANAGERS past and present have paid tribute to Blyth Spartans star Robbie Dale after he became the club’s record appearance holder.
The long-serving winger moved on to 626 appearances for the club at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, surpassing a record set by legendary midfielder Eddie Alder, a mainstay of the side that famously reached the fifth round of the FA Cup in 1978.
Harry Dunn was the manager that took Dale to Croft Park from Ryton & Crawcrook Albion in March 2005. The young forward needed some persuading to move up to UniBond League level, but his impact was immediate as he wasted little time introducing himself to the club’s supporters with a clinical hat-trick on his debut.
Dunn explained: “We had a scout working for Spartans at the time and he recommended him to us. I trusted him, and he raved about Robbie Dale, he needs the credit for helping bring him in.
“I had to persuade Robbie that he was good enough to play at our level and I conned him into moving if I am honest because I said he would be coming in as a squad player.
“He has been a catalyst at Spartans, he’s a complex character, but he’s a special lad.”
Dale has played his part in two memorable FA Cup runs over his 14-year stay at Croft Park. In 2009, he helped Spartans to the third round after wins over league clubs Shrewsbury Town and AFC Bournemouth.
Their run was ended by Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn Rovers in front of the Setanta Sports cameras, but Dale would be at it again five years later. Again, the Spartans reached the third round after a famous win over north-east neighbours Hartlepool United. It was Birmingham City that finally killed off a brave Spartans side, but not before Dale had put his side into a two-goal lead after a sublime first-half display at Croft Park. The Blues mounted a remarkable second-half display, but Dale’s performances left a mark on then-Spartans boss Tom Wade. He said: “His display against Birmingham City summed him up. He tore them apart in the first half and he looked every bit a Championship player.
“Robbie is a special talent, he was massive for me during my time with the club and he remains that way now.”
Dale is still racking up records with Spartans as they look to continue challenging for a National League North play-off position. The 34-year-old winger brought up a double century of goals for the club when he grabbed an equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Alfreton Town in early January.
Current manager Alun Armstrong hailed the impact that Dale continues to have on a youthful Spartans squad.
“He is massive for us,” he added. “He loves the game, he is a different character, but our lads look up to him.”